The Baltimore Orioles made a big free agent acquisition on Saturday, signing former New York Mets and St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley to a two-year, $28 million deal, according to Katie Woo of The Athletic.
Along with their trade addition of Los Angeles Angels outfielder Taylor Ward, the Orioles' offseason has been a busy one. But there are no signs of stopping yet. And in fact, their next move is clear.
As Jorge Castillo of ESPN points out, when Mike Elias outlined his offseason plans for this winter, three areas to address were given. After the Ward and Helsley additions, there's only one area left to improve: the starting rotation.
Orioles' next offseason move is clear based on Mike Elias' comments
"Mike Elias was very transparent about his priorities this offseason." Castillo writes. "Closer: (Helsley). Impact bat, preferably an outfielder: (Taylor Ward). Fontline starter:?"
The implication is clear: the Orioles and Elias will next go after a starting pitcher. But, it's not just going to be a depth or back-end of the rotation pitcher. He's looking to add a frontline starter this offseason.
After the Toronto Blue Jays set the starting pitcher market very high with their $210 million Dylan Cease decision, the price tag for the Orioles' top options became clear.
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Some of the names worth mentioning to keep an eye on are Ranger Suarez, Tatsuya Imai, Framber Valdez, and, in the trade market, Freddy Peralta could be an option.
Elias outlined his plans this winter, and he's already made moves to address two of those plans. The only one left is a front-line starter.
With a few intriguing options still on the market and plenty of others like Michael King also available, Baltimore is bound to make a move.
After signing Helsley to a two-year, $28 million deal, the Orioles are now likely to shift gears to focus on their starting rotation. Elias is looking for a frontline starter, and based on his actions thus far, he's going to be able to get one this offseason.
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